The original ecological footprint theory established based on global ecosystem is often adopted improperly in evaluation of regional ecological carrying capacity and ecological safety.The authors applied theimproved ecological footprint model-productive ecological footprint

to calculate and analyze the ecologicalfootprint

ecological carrying capacity and ecological footprint indicator of West China using the data published on 2009statistical yearbook.The results showed that the ecological footprints of biological resourceand energy accounts were greater than ecological carrying capacity in this area in 2009

implying the ecosystem of West China was in a state of insecurity.Ecological footprints of biological resources accounts in eastern and southern parts of the area were greater than western and northern parts

and ecological carrying capacity in the southern was significantly higher than the northern.The distribution of population affected thespatial pattern of ecological footprint per capita and ecological carrying capacity.The area with ecological deficit of biological resource account accounted for 68.6%of the total area of West China.The areas with largeecological footprints and high ecological pressure index of energy accounts were mainly distributed in theNorthwestern China;the ecological footprint of energy accounts in northwest region accounted for 75% oftotal ecological footprint of energy accounts of Western China.In addition

the authors analyzed the causes oflarger productive ecological index and discussed the means to reduce the deficits.